Failing graphics card?

Firetastic

I have a Dell All In One computer. It has started displaying things in red for example I right click on the menu and when I scroll down some of its blue and some of its red. When I was watching Youtube videos it was a bit red in some parts. I was dusting behind the compter today so I don't know if that has anything to do with it or it is a failing graphics card. If so where would I take it for repair? It doesn't look simple to dismantle unlike a case.

Thank you very much for your help.

stator

It could be the display or the graphics card, although it probably doesn't have a separate card.

How old is it? Post the model number.

Very hard to diagnose an ALL-IN-ONE unit as there probably isn't any way to plug in a separate display.

Often they are uneconomical to repair if you have to buy a replacement part from the OEM.

Firetastic

Well I was watching a video there and the lines are wavy. I got it in 2014 and I will go and check the Model Number. Oh the lines have just disappered Went into the start screen and came back and the lines are gone. Really Really strange. The scroll bar at the side was red. Just looked at System information and the System Model is Inspiron 23 5348

stator

You could always try uninstalling the video drivers, then reinstalling them.

This model doesn't have a removable video card, so you would have to replace the whole system motherboard if that is the fault.

It looks like your model does have HDMI connections, so you could try connecting a separate HDMI monitor and seeing if it's any better. You could even try connecting the HDMI out into the HDMI in, to see if the second HDMI output is any better than the internal one

Firetastic

It's back to normal now no redness or anything. I went into the Start screen and came back to this website and it was gone. I'll update if it returns again. On another note is it recommended to try and dismantle it myself or do I have to send it to a shop or repair centre?

stator

If you can find the spare parts you could try repairing it yourself but it's MAINS voltage, so only if you think you can do it safely. Obviously it has to be disconnected fully from the mains, and leave it for at least 30 minutes for any energy to fully leave the system.
If you damage any of the power circuits inside then you would want to throw it away incase it becomes a fire risk.

Dell have service manuals on their website, so you can read them and see which screws to remove in order to get at certain pieces. But if it's a video card fault there is nothing you can do except replace the mainboard. Quite a big job.

If you replace it then you can always strip it down and sell the spare parts. Hard drive (wipe it), CPU, RAM are all easily saleable.. Other spare parts might sell, if someone else is trying to repair a similar model.

Firetastic

I don't think I'll bother if anything goes wrong trying to fix it myself. I'll think I'll leave it to a professional. It's just I have heard that LCD televisions can be dangerous to try and fix if you do not know what you are doing.

[Deleted User]

It could be heat related due to dust build-up, all-in-ones are similar to laptops in that there's not a lot of room in there and any build up of dust can have a disproportionate effect. You need to remove the back and use compressed air to blow everything out.

Firetastic

Yes dust is a killer isn't it? It's not like a case where you slide the side panel off and then you just blow it out.

stator

I prefer a carefully handled vacuum cleaner than an air duster.
Once friend a PSU using an air duster. If you hold it wrong liquid comes out

[Deleted User]

stator wrote: »

I prefer a carefully handled vacuum cleaner than an air duster.
Once friend a PSU using an air duster. If you hold it wrong liquid comes out

A vacuum cleaner probably wouldn't do what's needed, although you're right about the compressed air cans. If the OP has one or has access an actual air compressor would be ideal.